Metaexemplification

Metaexemplification refers to the act of providing an example of how to provide examples. It is a second-order exemplification, where the focus is not on the subject matter being exemplified, but on the process or method of exemplification itself. In essence, it is showing, rather than just telling, how to illustrate a concept or idea.

This concept can be observed in educational contexts, where instructors might demonstrate different ways to approach a problem or explain a theory by using specific examples to highlight the effectiveness of various teaching strategies. It can also appear in writing guides or style manuals, which might offer examples of how to use anecdotal evidence, statistical data, or case studies to support a claim. The purpose of metaexemplification is to improve the understanding and application of exemplification as a communicative tool.

The term itself suggests a recursive or self-referential quality. Just as metadata describes data, metaexemplification describes or exemplifies the act of description through examples. It acknowledges that the way an example is constructed and presented is as important as the content of the example itself for achieving clarity and persuasiveness. This can involve demonstrating the ideal characteristics of a good example, such as relevance, specificity, and clarity, by presenting an example that embodies these qualities.